| Training Saves Deputy's Life |
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| Written by Daniel White | |
| Wednesday, 14 December 2005 | |
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Sonoma County, California Sheriff's Deputy Jon Watson reacted as he was trained to do when a wanted felon attempted to kill him Saturday. In a scene straight out of a crime novel, law enforcement officials say Sonoma County Sheriff's Deputy Jon Watson used a lightning-quick move and simple physics to jam a revolver that was pointed at his belly. Watson bought the time to draw and fire his own firearm by grabbing the cylinder of the suspect's revolver, preventing it from firing. (Click 'READ MORE' to continue...) In recounting the shooting, authorities said officers like Watson know that if you stop the cylinder of a revolver from turning, the gun's hammer will not find a loaded chamber. There are many people out there carrying firearms for personal protection who either have no training at all (where allowed by law) or simply the minimum requirements prescribed by law. I was once in a conversation with a fellow shooter and was recounting the training classes I had taken over the past year. When he asked why I had taken so many classes, my answer was, "Because I want to live." Those of us who choose to carry a firearm for personal protection hope we are never forced to defend our lives. But, if you are ever in that situation, you want as many tools in the toolbox as possible. Training adds to that toolbox. The skill used by Watson to save his life was there because he had been well trained. Another man without such training may very well have died that day. This incident serves as a reminder to us all. Don't stop with the bare minimum training. There are numerous places in Ohio, and across the country, that offer advanced training. To steal a catchphrase, the life you save may be your own! |